**World War II** caused the deaths of millions of people, including countless innocent civilians. However, the war left behind not only grief and loss, but also interesting historical relics. One of the strangest discoveries was a World War II pigeon, found while a family was renovating their house in the south of England. In this article, we will explore some of the most amazing discoveries from World War II, from Nazi treasure in Argentina to the mystery of the famous bronze eagle statue.
### 1. **Nazi treasure found in Argentina**
Authorities in Argentina have discovered a large collection of Nazi artifacts, believed to be the largest in the country’s history. The treasure was found in a secret room in a house near Buenos Aires. Among the 75 items recovered were unusual items such as a magnifying glass decorated with a swastika symbol, a head-measuring device with a dubious purpose, and a bust of Adolf Hitler. The discovery has attracted international attention, highlighting the darkness of the past, and the possibility that the artifacts are originals belonging to high-ranking Nazi officials during World War II.
### 2. **Germany’s Bronze Eagle**
In Uruguay, a bronze eagle statue, found on a German warship that sank off the country’s coast more than a decade ago, will be melted down to become a peace symbol. The 6.5-foot-tall statue, which previously held a swastika symbol in its claws, was discovered in 2006 after a 10-year search in the waters of the River Plate near Mont Vio. The decision to sell the statue, with half the proceeds going to the Uruguayan government and the other half to the salvage team, sparked a lengthy legal battle.
### 3. **The Bismarck**
The Bismarck, considered the most powerful battleship ever built, sank in the early morning of May 19, 1941 while attempting to fend off an attack by the British fleet. Capable of speeds exceeding 35 mph, the Bismarck was one of the first battleships built under the Nazi regime. However, after a fierce clash with British warships on May 27, the Bismarck was severely damaged and sank, resulting in the deaths of nearly 2,200 sailors. Artifacts recovered from the ship after the war still provide a vivid glimpse into the history of the war.
### 4. **War pigeon found in chimney**
After a dangerous journey from Nazi-occupied territory, a British spy pigeon landed in a chimney in Surrey to rest. Unfortunately, the pigeon died from smoke inhalation. When the new owners discovered the pigeon’s body while renovating their house, they discovered a red capsule strapped to the bird’s leg. The capsule contained an important message and was sent to the Enigma codebreakers at Bletchley Park, who played a key role in breaking the Enigma code, shortening the war.
### 5. **Panther tank found in German garage**
A legal battle is ongoing in Germany over an elderly man who owned a Panther tank, an anti-aircraft gun and a torpedo, all of which were hidden in his garage. It took local authorities hours to remove the tank from his house, after being alerted to the cache by authorities in Berlin.
6. **”AIR” sign on the Irish coast**
A large “AIR” sign, which stands for Ireland, was discovered on a coastal cliff in Ireland after it was exposed by forest fires. During World War II, more than 80 such signs were erected along the Irish coast to help Allied and Nazi aircraft know they were flying over a neutral country. After the fire exposed the sign, its rediscovery drew attention and was a powerful reminder of Ireland’s special role in the war.
**7. The Amber Room’s Disappearance:**
The Amber Room, often called the “eighth wonder of the world,” was a magnificent room made entirely of amber and gold, located in Catherine Palace, Russia. During World War II, when Adolf Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa in June 1941, German forces invaded the Soviet Union, and among the many treasures looted was the Amber Room. The Nazis believed the room had been made by Germans for German use and took it as a symbol of their supremacy. Despite numerous searches over the years, the Amber Room remains lost, and its fate is one of the greatest mysteries of wartime art theft. It symbolizes the immense cultural losses caused by the war and continues to captivate historians and treasure hunters.
**8. Discovery of Jewish Artifacts in Lithuania:**
In a significant archaeological find, sacred Jewish artifacts from the Great Synagogue of Vilna in Lithuania were uncovered. The synagogue was one of the most important centers of Jewish life in the country before World War II. Built in the 17th century, it was a place of worship, learning, and community, featuring ritual baths, prayer rooms, and classrooms. During the Nazi occupation in 1941, the synagogue was partially destroyed, and by the 1950s, Soviet authorities completely demolished its remaining structures. Before the war, Vilna, known as “Lithuania’s Jerusalem,” had a thriving Jewish community of around 55,000 people. However, the occupation led to the establishment of ghettos, and by the end of the year, nearly 40,000 Jews were executed. The city was liberated by the Soviets in 1944, but the destruction of the synagogue continued. The recent discovery of artifacts serves as a poignant reminder of the community’s once-vibrant presence and the devastating loss of Jewish heritage during the war.
**9. WWII Me262 Jet Fighter Found:**
In October 2014, a remarkable discovery was made in the Netherlands at the D Airbase Museum. While clearing a WWII bomb crater, museum staff uncovered a significant piece of history: the nose of a Nazi Me262 jet fighter, a key technological advancement of the war. Initially, it was not uncommon for discarded debris to be hidden in bomb holes, and the team proceeded to excavate. The discovery of the nose, complete with gun apertures, and later other parts like the reinforced windshield and cannons, proved to be an incredible find. The Me262 was the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter, and its recovery has provided valuable insights into wartime aviation technology. This discovery underscores the importance of archaeological efforts to preserve such artifacts for future generations to study.
**10. WWII Battlefield Box Treasure in Russia:**
In another intriguing discovery, Russian military personnel unearthed a metal box while excavating a battlefield. Initially believed to hold treasures, the box contained a surprising mix of WWII artifacts, including a Nazi soldier’s uniform, cigars, alcohol, and German currency. The box was identified as belonging to a veterinarian who likely hid it while preparing to flee. The discovery of this box, containing personal items and military relics, offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals during the war and the ways people tried to preserve their belongings in the midst of chaos. The fate of the veterinarian remains unknown, adding an air of mystery to the collection.
**11. The Reichsbank Gold in Merkers Mine:**
In March 1945, as the Allies closed in on Germany, Nazi officials moved valuable art and gold to the Merkers Mine complex, located in the heart of Germany. The Reich Minister for Education decided to secure Germany’s most precious art treasures by hiding them in the mine’s 35 km of tunnels. Between March 20th and March 31st, Nazi officials successfully moved about a quarter of the art from major museums, including paintings and sculptures, into the mine. When U.S. forces arrived in April, they found a massive trove of looted items, including approximately 1,700 tons of Nazi gold—gold coins, bullion, and personal valuables, many taken from occupied countries and Jewish families. General Dwight D. Eisenhower himself visited the site to witness this extraordinary find. The gold and art recovery highlighted the extent of Nazi looting across Europe. Today, the Merkers Mine is a tourist attraction, reminding visitors of the historical importance of protecting cultural heritage during times of conflict. The ongoing quest to return stolen art continues, with efforts to repatriate these valuable pieces to their rightful owners still a priority for various organizations.
